BEARS NOTES.

Miller being handled carefully

August 07, 2001|By John Mullin, Tribune staff reporter.

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — Quarterback Jim Miller took part in a few more drills Monday than he did late last week, testing his strained hamstring with an eye toward Saturday's exhibition game in Nashville against the Titans. But there are questions about just how or if to use Miller.

Because of his questionable mobility, coaches could elect to start Miller with the thinking that he needs to play behind the Bears' best line. Miller was injured in the first exhibition game last year when an inexperienced offensive lineman missed an assignment and he was sacked by the New York Giants.

But starting against the Tennessee Titans, the NFL's No. 1 defense in yardage allowed, means facing the rush of defensive ends Kevin Carter and Jevon Kearse.

"Everything will be considered," coach Dick Jauron said. "We'll have to wait and see what the medical staff says he'll be capable of. But we will figure that into the equation."

Miller, who said he pushed himself hard all off-season to come back from surgery on his torn Achilles' tendon, wants to win the starting job but understands the risk of trying too much too soon.

"Obviously I want to stay healthy, play and get back in the rat race here and be part of it," Miller said, adding that the call is still up to the team's medical staff. "Realistically the season is still a month away and they still want to be cautious and smart with it. So far, so good, so let's just keep progressing."

Rostering: Mike Wells has not moved ahead of Keith Traylor as the starting right defensive tackle.

Interest noted: The New York Jets, having lost rookie returner Santana Moss for eight weeks with an injury, have interest in Bears returner Glyn Milburn, now being challenged by Bobby Engram and R.W. McQuarters for the punt-returner job and by Jerry Azumah and Dez White for the kickoff-returner job.

New guy: The Bears signed linebacker Donta Jones, waived by the New Orleans Saints where he played primarily special teams last season. Jones, 29 this month, previously played for Pittsburgh and Carolina and will start out at weak-side linebacker before coaches determine where his best spot is.

Hurting: Running back James Allen is expected back for Saturday's game but was one of 15 players on the Bears' injury list and out of Monday's morning practice.BEARS NOTES